Northbrook

Located just 25 miles north of downtown Chicago, the Village of Northbrook has long been regarded as one of the premiere communities on the North Shore. With its outstanding community amenities, highly ranked educational system, excellent transportation routes, outstanding business climate and prime north shore location, Northbrook is an excellent place to live, work, shop and play. Graced with outstanding recreational facilities, upscale retail centers, and civic-minded residents, Northbrook has something for everyone.

In 1833, Joel Sterling Sherman and his family bought 159 acres of land in the northwest quarter (now the site of the Northbrook Central Business District) for $1.25 per acre. By the 1870's, the region was a farm town with well-established brick yards which prospered during the rebuilding that followed the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Incorporated as Shermerville in 1901, the village adopted "Northbrook" as its official name in 1923.

After World War II the village grew rapidly when subdivisions of homes were first developed. In 1940 the population was 1,265, but by 1960 it had expanded to 11,635. As of the 2000 census, Northbrook's population is 33,435.

Residents enjoy convenient transportation options including immediate access to the tri-state tollway and the Edens Expressway as well as Metra rail service.

Are you looking for a park where you can fish? Do you want to try bicycle racing, skateboarding or snowshoeing? Would you like to climb a 30-foot tower or learn to play golf? Maybe you need a shelter with electricity for a company picnic or family reunion. Our parks have what you want. The Northbrook Park District provides and maintains more than 500 acres of land in 21 park areas, offering distinctive opportunities for recreation, health and fitness. You can play, learn, celebrate and enjoy nature in parks, playgrounds and natural areas.

The Northbrook Symphony has delighted loyal audiences for more than 30 years. The organization is commited to expansing and developing the audience for symphonic music, and creating a unique reputation as a valuable resource in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Now the home of the Northbrook Historical Society and History Museum, the Northfield Inn was built circa 1894 at the corner of Shermer and Waukegan Roads. It was a well-known stopover on the road between Milwaukee and Chicago. The Inn was moved to its present location in 1975. Local history buffs - take the Northbrook Quiz and see how much you know about the village!

Four school districts serve K-8 students in Northbrook. District 27 is located in the northwest section of Northbrook. This K-8 district has one primary center (Hickory Point School, K-2), one intermediate center (Shabonee School, 3-5) and one junior high school (Wood Oaks, 6-8). District 28 is a public K-8 elementary school district with four distinguished schools, serving the northeastern portion of Northbrook. District 30 consists of three schools, Willowbrook (Pre-K through 5th grade), Wescott School (1st through 5th grade), and Maple School (6th though 8th grades). The district houses approximately 1100 children. District 31's two schools -- Winkelman Elementary School and Field Middle School -- provide for the education of students in kindergarten through eighth grade who live in the western segments of Glenview, Northbrook and unincorporated Cook County.

High school students attend one of the award-winning Glenbrook District 225 schools - Glenbrook North or Glenbrook South.